Would the Pelicans consider playing Anthony Davis?

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 23: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans sits on the bench with an injury in his finger during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center on January 23, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 23: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans sits on the bench with an injury in his finger during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center on January 23, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

As the trade deadline looms, New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis seems to be healed from his finger strain. Will he play?

With each passing minute until Thursday’s trade deadline, it seems more and more unlikely that Anthony Davis will be traded from the New Orleans Pelicans. In spite of this, the Pelicans still have 28 games to play and mathematically still have a shot at the playoffs (long shot as it may seem). The latest injury report shows the Pelicans star is a go to play. But should the Pelicans play him?

The simple answer is no. Davis recently said in one of his first interviews since news broke of his decision not to re-sign with the team, that he is a professional and understands that he is under contract so his intent would be to still play. This is of no help to the Pelicans cause at this point. They know their future does not involve Anthony Davis in it, so they should act as if their present doesn’t as well.

The Pelicans will most assuredly not play him Wednesday night versus the Chicago Bulls as it sits just hours before the trade deadline passes on Thursday. Anything after that the team will evaluate their options concerning AD.

They are at the moment exploring trade options for Julius Randle and Nikola Mirotic before the deadline. That is a strong signal that the organization is clearly scrapping the rest of this season and looking to secure the best possible future it can. Why interrupt that process by having Davis play or even worse risking injury that would affect his trade value in the offseason? The Pelicans know inquiries will be aplenty for Davis’ services come season’e end.

So yeah New Orleans Pelicans fans, you have probably seen the last of Anthony Davis in a Pelicans uniform. Rejoice the time you have had and appreciate his greatness while he was here. Always remember though, we cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, and not the back.